Cardiologist in Michael Jackson Case Lists Conrad Murray's Mistakes

Dr. Alon Steinberg, a leading cardiologist for the California Medical Board, took the stand in the Conrad Murray Trial on Wednesday. Steinberg told the jury that the doctor's standard practices in caring for Michael Jackson were an "extreme deviation" from the norm.

Steinberg reviewed Murray's case based solely on transcripts from his police interview in order to "judge Dr. Murray on his very own words." According to Steinberg, there were six distinct deviations of standard medical practice, and he described each one as an act of "gross negligence." The cardiologist confirmed what everyone knew—that Propofol should only be used for hospital procedures and never as a sleep aid. He also added that he's never heard of anyone using the drug for that purpose.

Steinberg added that Murray lacked the basic equipment a doctor should have in case of an emergency. And the biggest mistake, Murray's failure to call 911. According to Steinberg, the doctor should've called 911 and then given Jackson Flumazenil, an antidote.
Another detail that's not looking good for Murray is that he called Jackson's assistant for help first. He also performed chest compressions on Jackson, even though he didn’t need them because his heart was beating.

Another weird devation is that Murray didn’t take notes, which is typical procedure for legal and insurance purposes. Steinberg said Murray's behavior "directly contributed to the untimely death of Michael Jackson."

On Wednesday morning, Conrad Murray's lawyer also announced that the defense team is abandoning their argument that Michael Jackson killed himself by accidentally taking the Propofol.

The jury has been subjected to a lot of heartbreaking and often gruesome evidence. On Tuesday, they were shown autopsy photos of Michael Jackson's body. It's also been especially hard on Jackson's friends and family. Hollyscoop talked to doctor/spiritualist Deepak Chopra to get his take on the case.

"I feel very bad for what happened. You know, I loved Michael," Chopra told HS. "I know that what he got into was not of his own making, we have a very unethical cabal of doctors especially attached to celebrities who’s identity becomes the celebrity and then it becomes a co-dependent relationship. So his problem with addiction was initiated and perpetuated by unethical medical practices, and that makes me very sad."

Chopra also offers a philosophical perspective that might provide solace for Jackson fans: